We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Fatmata Jalloh. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Fatmata below.
Fatmata, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the decision of whether to donate a percentage of sales to an organization or cause – we’d love to hear the backstory of how you thought through this.
When I initially wrote the book, my initial intention was to just keep it for my son. But the story was so beautiful it resonated with others. Then I decided to publish it for the sole purpose of donating 80 to 100% of the proceeds to early learning and social justice causing. I believe that for more black and brown people to have a seat at the table were decisions are being made we need to make the investment early. Hence why I decided on going the early learning route. And fighting for equality and social justice is not a one day fight….it’s a lifelong battle. So by having a book in which sales are donated, it creates a constant stream of support for years.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Fatmata Jalloh, and I am the author of My Beautiful Son, a mother of 2 and a nurse practitioner. The book was written during the height of the BLM protest in 2020. As the mother of a black son, I was inspired to write a book that captured the joy, innocence and curiosity of a toddler from a mother’s prospective; as I thought about the future hopes for black and brown boys.
The book (My Beautiful Son) captures those beautiful moments when a carefree loving toddlers just enjoys the simple things in life that just brings him joy and peaks their curiosity. It is short and geared towards babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. Parents will enjoy reading the sweet words and their little ones will enjoy the words and the colorful illustrations. It is great book for young moms, circle time, libraries or organizations hoping to give books to children.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
One of the rewarding aspect of being a children’s book author is seeing how my book facilities bonding moments between parents/caregiver and their children. And the fact that children can see themselves in a book I created and feel seen and loved, is the ultimate reward.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
As an indie author, there are so many other authors out there that are willing to help and be mentors. I wish I had known that! For that reason, I try to mentor other indie authors.
Contact Info:
- Website: fatmatajallohbooks.com
- Instagram: sajs.bookcorner